Abstract
Carbon-based materials, for example pyrolytic carbon, have been successfully applied as artificial clinical heart valve coatings but due to ease of availability, processing, increased hardness, corrosion and scratch resistance, DLC has recently attracted attention for biomedical applications. Although often cited as having bio-compatible properties there has been little systematic study of DLC and how film structure may affect such properties. RF PECVD a-C:H and Si-doped a-C:H:Si films were deposited and in-vitro blood compatibility (haemocompatibility) investigated by the use of human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC) on one end of the scale and platelets on the other, in order to assess the potential of DLC in biomedicine and surgical applications. Increased electronic conduction, decreased work function and decreased surface bond energy (with a high dispersive component) in the absence of graphitisation improved the blood compatibility of a-C:H and a-C:H:Si thin films. Changes in the nanostructure, surface energy and electrical properties was observed with silicon doping while thermal annealing also altered the electrical properties, reduced intrinsic compressive stress and at higher temperatures (>400 °C) induced graphitisation. Increased HMEC adhesion (approx. 6×) and/or decreased platelets aggregation (approx. 6×) is associated with lower resistivity, work function and surface energy in the thin films where there is no graphitisation. Graphitisation, however, despite the lower resistivity and work function, leads to lower HMEC adhesion and increased platelets aggregation. Si-doped a-C:H coatings deposited under optimal conditions are a significant factor in developing haemocompatible medical implants and devices.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1088-1092 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Diamond and Related Materials |
Volume | 13 |
Issue number | 4-8 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Apr 2004 |
Externally published | Yes |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
- General Chemistry
- Mechanical Engineering
- Materials Chemistry
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering